[skeeter99]

Well I've decided to simplify down my modest HT and I'm selling my Emotiva UMC-1 and AV123 X-Amps. Its a pain for the family so I figured it'd be good to go to a new home

Here's a bit about the system:
17x13x8 Sealed Basement space
70" Vizio M-Seres TV
Oppo BDP-95 Blu-Ray
Toshiba HD-DVD Player (can't remember the model off hand)
Apple TV
X-Box 360
KEF C55 For Left and Right (adding a third for center)
KEF C35 For Rears
AV123 MFW-15 x 2

We use the system primarily for movies/tv but I do like to close myself in the basement sometimes so music performance is definitely important to me. I also have an Onkyo TX-SR805 that has been a fantastic receiver for me, it isn't exactly the last word in musicality though.

My budget is about $1,000 so I've been looking at the obvious choices on Accessories4Less:

Onkyo TX-NR929 for $888 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr929/onkyo-tx-nr929-9.2-ch-network-a/v-receiver/1.html
Onkyo TX-NR1010 for $899 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr1010/onkyo-tx-nr1010-7.2-ch-thx-certified-network-a/v-receiver/1.html
Marantz SR7007 for $999 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr7007/marantz-sr7007-7.2-channel-4k-3d-pass-through-networking-receiver/1.html

I've also been thinking of possibly getting one of the older Pioneer Elite receivers with the ICE amps. I've never owned a Pioneer receiver though (only Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Emotiva) so I'm not familiar with their sound characteristic. There's a nice looking SC-37 Elite on Ebay now for $799 and free shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-Elite-SC-37-7-1-Channel-140-Watt-Receiver-/221372148545?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item338aceeb41

What do you all think? Am I going down the right road? I haven't researched receivers in a while so not super up on all the current must haves.

Thanks!

Scott

[RDavidson]

You might look at the Yamaha Aventage line. I bought an RXA1000 in 2011 and it has been fantastic. It sounds great, is well built, and has been nothing but reliable. It gets nearly daily use. Since the Aventage line came out, it has been universally well reviewed as well.

Here's the main reason I bought it versus others in the same price range:
It doesn't have video processing, it has all connections needed plus pre-outs, and special attention was given to the amplifier section.

One might ask why I chose it when it doesn't have video processing (and others priced similarly do). The reason is very simple. I don't need it. As you have an Oppo BDP-95, you don't need it either. So rather than pay extra for something I don't need or redundant technology, I chose what I believe was/is the best option for sound quality and connectivity for my needs.

Something nice about the most current version of my receiver is that it has Sabre DAC's and a more advanced YPAO system.

[skeeter99]

Oh interesting, I hadn't thought about the video processing portion. Yeah, I ran my Oppo through the HDMI 1 output straight to the TV and the HDMI 2 output through my Emo for comparison. The HDMI 1 output has the better video processor and it is visibly evident to all that its better. Definitely no reason for scaling on the processor side for the components I have.

I'll take a look at the Yamaha's as well. Any specific reco's in that price range?

Scott

[Doublej]

Stay away from Onkyo. Way too many issues with failures. Also consider Anthem MRX 300 A/V receiver. Definitely check out the Yamaha line as well.

[RDavidson]

Oh interesting, I hadn't thought about the video processing portion. Yeah, I ran my Oppo through the HDMI 1 output straight to the TV and the HDMI 2 output through my Emo for comparison. The HDMI 1 output has the better video processor and it is visibly evident to all that its better. Definitely no reason for scaling on the processor side for the components I have.

I'll take a look at the Yamaha's as well. Any specific reco's in that price range?

Scott

I'd start with the RX-A1030, which is the newest version of what I have. It lists for $1200, but if you hunt around I know you can get a better price. I believe my receiver listed for $1100 - $1200 also, but could be found online for $800ish, particularly during the summer. This seems to be when places like Newegg look to close out current models in preparation to stock new model launches.
Interestingly, it doesn't look like many changes have been made between the RX-A1000 and RX-A1030. I bet you can find the previous version RX-A1020 for much less than the 1030. Just depends if you feel the newer features on the newer model are worth the price increase. I'm still very happy with my 1000 and feel no need to upgrade it any time soon.
You have (high end) Sabre DAC's in your Oppo too, so you may not feel tempted by the Sabre DAC's in the 1030. That's the main thing I'd want if I upgraded to the 1030.

[skeeter99]

I'd start with the RX-A1030, which is the newest version of what I have. It lists for $1200, but if you hunt around I know you can get a better price. I believe my receiver listed for $1100 - $1200 also, but could be found online for $800ish, particularly during the summer. This seems to be when places like Newegg look to close out current models in preparation to stock new model launches.
Interestingly, it doesn't look like many changes have been made between the RX-A1000 and RX-A1030. I bet you can find the previous version RX-A1020 for much less than the 1030. Just depends if you feel the newer features on the newer model are worth the price increase. I'm still very happy with my 1000 and feel no need to upgrade it any time soon.
You have (high end) Sabre DAC's in your Oppo too, so you may not feel tempted by the Sabre DAC's in the 1030. That's the main thing I'd want if I upgraded to the 1030.

Cool thanks I'll look into the 1030. You're right, I run 2-channel stereo analog direct from my Oppo to the Emo now and it works excellent so the Sabre DAC's for 2-channel wouldn't be important. Are they implemented though throughout the chain, meaning for surround? I could see that being beneficial then ...

[RDavidson]

Cool thanks I'll look into the 1030. You're right, I run 2-channel stereo analog direct from my Oppo to the Emo now and it works excellent so the Sabre DAC's for 2-channel wouldn't be important. Are they implemented though throughout the chain, meaning for surround? I could see that being beneficial then ...

Yes, you're probably right. The Sabre DAC's are probably used throughout the chain. I think you could configure your Oppo to do the all the audio processing, but this would likely negate the benefits of the YPAO system.
I just checked online and Crutchfield has the previous model RX-A1020 for $699. This is a pretty major bargain in my book. I'd have a hard time overlooking this despite that the 1030 has Sabre DAC's. Afterall, when listening to surround, how much better do you think the basic Sabre's are when compared with the Burr Browns that are in the 1020. They might be very slightly better on paper, but is it likely you'd hear the difference while listening to actual program material?
The good thing is that you have the Oppo for critical listening / music listening.

[mcgsxr]

Of the initially listed options, I'd take that Pioneer in a hurry personally.  I am using an 819 and a 1018 for 3+ years now with zero issues. 

The 1018 is an older version of the Elite you referenced.  I know folks with the SC-37, and using the analog outputs of the Oppo, and the Pure Direct setting on the Elite, you'd get a very pure signal for 2 channel.

I agree with the caveats about the Onkyo, though my brother has used one for around 5 years now with no issues.

The Yamaha referenced is good too, but if I were my dollars, I'd go used for an AVR these days and bank the $.

Then again perhaps I am just sharing my own justifications and biases!

Good luck in the hunt.

[chip]

I like the Pioneer Elite but again just an opinion. Remember I have the SC25 and still running strong. 

Sometimes it comes down to which features you are after.

You may want to also look into Anthem MRX 310. Here is a review on the 710 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/receivers-reviews/anthem-mrx-710-a-v-receiver/all-pages.html

Also don't forget that there are the SC-1523/1323/1223 models as well which can be found cheaper the the SC Elite models.

I haven't looked at Yamaha's in ages but those look nice.

Don't forget to think about Speaker Xover options with some of these. Pioneer doesn't offer the best options for xover 50/80/100etc.  Some offer speaker crossover now adjustable in 10-Hz Increments per channel.

[Virginia Bill]

I'm shopping for a new receiver in the $1000-2000 price range, restricting myself to models which do no video processing other than transcoding from component to HDMI (video processing is done by my Oppo 103). I'm looking at NAD 758 and Cambridge Audio 551R because they have very strong audio sections and handle video as gently as possible. I'm also not much interested in room correction, so these models seem aimed directly at me. You might also find them interesting.

Generally speaking, Pacific Rim receivers compete in a never-ending features race involving increasing numbers of surround channels, decoding esoteric digital formats, implementing various forms of room correction, and providing mediocre video processing. Boutique companies such as NAD (Canadian) and Cambridge Audio (British) are more likely to focus their products differently, paying more attention to musical reproduction and leaving video processing to other components in the image chain.

My system is 5.1, I listen to music a lot, my Oppo provides excellent video processing of all the digital formats I use, and my room needs no elaborate electronic "correction." So the (middle-aged) Pioneer Elite receiver I'm replacing offers a number of features I don't use. The boutique receivers make more sense for me. Assess your real needs; you might come to the same conclusion.